Located between Batangas and Oriental Mindoro, Isla Verde is a world renowned dive site and a Philippine treasure.
Isla Verde or Verde Island is considered as one of the best diving places in the world because of its diverse marine life and the pristine waters around it. It was tagged as the "Center of the Center of Marine Shorefish Biodiversity" by a team of international marine conservationist, while the Philippines is labeled as the Center of Marine Biodiversity in the world.
Rarely seen species of sea turtles like hawksbills, olive ridleys, and green turtles; humphead wrasses, giant groupers and giant clams can be seen here. The area also has more than 300 species of corals and is considered one of the largest concentrations of corals in the whole world.
Daily trips for scuba divers are made from Puerto Galera.
Diving:
Expect to pay 1,500php ($35) per boat dive including all gears. For the beginners, introductory dive costs 3,000php ($70). Dive opertors on site can offer different packages to suite your wants.
Dive operators:
Asia Divers -www.asiadivers.com
Octopus Divers - +63917-562-0214;vsabang03@yahoo.com
To get there:
From Manila, take the bus ride to Batangas pier and then a bangka or a wooden outrigger boat to Puerto Galera.
Recommended bus to Batangas pier:
ALPS TRANSIT - corner Taft & Sen Gil Puyat Aves, Pasay)
JAM TRANSIT - Tel. no. 831 0465
RRCG - Lawton Park & Ride, A Villegas St. Intramuros
Photos from: http://kodakerdabawenya.com
